Well the NZ surf titles are still unraveling across on the East Coast of NZ's north island at Gisborne, with day 3 seeing all of the Stand Up Paddle action take place.
conditions were testing with 20knots cross shore winds and a 1m south swell making it contestable but tricky.
As an Australian now a permanent New Zealand resident I could enter the titles and the level was definitely of a high standard.
it was cool to see the women's division go down with all 3 of the girls under 23 years old I believe, showcasing some nice skills. 1. Stella smith
2. Billie Scott
3. Amelia WinkThe men's division was 2x semi finals then the final.
age groups between 35 & late 40's.
all rippers and was happy to make the final.

1.Karlos Aarsen
2. Regan Fairlie
3. Michael Williams
4. Curtis Nu'u

stoked to come away with a 3rd for my first nationals a little disappointed I just couldn't find that magical wave in both of my heats to ramp up my score.
rode my 9'0 with a twin fin set up to maximise stability but still have speed and some looseness.
Stoked to win the bodyboarding title that was a fun heat.

Definitely the best surf titles I've ever been apart of.
really felt SUP was celebrated by the overall surf community and crew were proud of our efforts in really hard conditions! Yeah NZ!

Very cool!

Great photos! Well done and looking forward to the videos.

Perhaps one day there will be a "Grand Masters" division (over 70)!!

Cheers

Bob

Select to expand quote

FRP said..
Very cool!

Great photos! Well done and looking forward to the videos.

Perhaps one day there will be a "Grand Masters" division (over 70)!!

Cheers

Bob

Surfing NZ only do open divisions at the nationals.
im hosting a SUP competition at Waihi Beach, North Island New Zealand - March 28-29 2026
shoukd come along
had a over 70s last year.
sup shortboard & sup longboard divisions

Great job NZ SUP community! So many great surf areas on the North Island.. great to hear that SUP has respect from the water crew!
Thanks for the pic... stay stoked everyone!